Sleepaway Camp

The Sleepaway Camp film series is quite an odd one to say the least. Starting off with the beautiful train wreck that was Sleepaway Camp in 1983, the films got weirder and weirder, spawning three more sequels and a big cult following. I personally love all of the movies in the series, because they are odd, funny, scary, gory, and not just your average Friday the 13th knock off. I'm not going to rank these films, but I will list them all and give a review for each. Spoilers are pretty much unavoidable in this piece, so read at your own risk.

Sleepaway Camp (1983):
This movie is a very hard movie to review, because it is really quite bad. The reason it's hard to review though, is because I liked it way more than I should have. This movie was made in the slasher boom of the early 80's on a clearly very small budget. On paper it's just another run of the mill slasher, but it is so much more. With a truly strange story, generic yet memorable characters, some awesome kills, and an extremely shocking ending that is still remembered to this day, this film really is one of a kind. Felissa Rose is pretty solid as Angela, the shy protagonist we follow throughout the film who plays a very big role in the end. The acting, script, and pacing are generally awful, but these elements bring a strange charm to the flick that makes it highly enjoyable. The gore is pretty solid as well, and includes stabbings, boiling faces, curling irons inserted into, well, you get the point, and decapitation. But what really sells this movie is the ending. I won't spoil it, but it's one of the most bizarre, creepy, funny, and surprising endings I've ever seen. And it was very ballsy (bad, bad pun intended). A so bad it's great movie to kick off the series.

Sleepaway Camp 2: Unhappy Campers (1988):
This sequel rocks, in more ways than one. Years after the events of the first film, a new camp called Camp Rolling Hills is up and running with the one and only Angela aka The Angel of Death working as a counselor. Instead of Felissa Rose returning as the infamous killer, Pamela Springsteen took over. She does an amazing job, bringing welcomed humor and spunk to the role. This movie is much more self aware and funny compared to the first, but that's why it works. It's often hilarious and scary at some points as well. The kills are amazing and top the original in every way. The only thing this one doesn't have going for it is a shock ending, but that's a minor complaint. The plot involving Angela "sending people home" after they've dome something bad (sex, drugs, or just being really mean or annoying) is very clever and funny. The acting and pacing are improved this time around and make this sequel more than worth while to watch. Oh, and when I say it rocks, it's not just because of the kills and solid acting, it's also for the soundtrack featuring the likes of Anvil and Hurricane. A totally 80's slasher with a kick ass heavy metal soundtrack, what more can you ask for?

Sleepaway Camp 3: Teenage Wasteland (1989):
A lot of people didn't like this one but I thought it was just as good as the two that came before it. After being fired as a counselor in the second movie, Angela (after an amazing opening scene) finds a way to become a camper at a camp called Camp New Horizons. She then does what she does best, taking care of business killing off bad kids sinning deep within the woods. The kills are highly inventive (like the flag pole kill), but never come quite close enough to be better than the ones in parts 1 and 2. Springsteen returns as Angela and like the second movie, she steals every scene she's in. The plot, again, is tight and flows very nicely combining horror and comedy effortlessly. I really enjoyed this movie, and I'm also really glad they didn't kill of Angela at the end. She's just too cool to die! Another great soundtrack is included, making the movie all the more awesome. All in all, a great entry in the series.

Return to Sleepaway Camp (2008):
Over 20 years after the first Sleepaway Camp was released, the original writer/director Robert Hiltzik returns at the helm of this sequel. Proposed as a direct sequel to the first movie, it completely ignores the events of 2 & 3, which would have pissed me off, but they made the great decision to bring back Felissa Rose as the infamous Angela. Unfortunately, that, and the kills are the only things this movie has going for it. The main character named Alan is one of the most unlikable and annoying characters I've ever come across in a horror movie. He's supposed to be the victim, but he is mean and kind of brings all of the bullying on himself. Also, the film is very slow in the middle. There are a couple really good kills at the beginning, and then A LOT of nothingness, and then a pretty good, blood soaked ending. Having said all that, the kills really are pretty sweet. One in particular involving a sharpened broomstick is spectacular. The effects are very well done and almost saved this movie for me. The ending is superb and the final shot brought back the creepy feeling of the original movie's ending. Oddly enough this is a lot like the original because, in the case of both films, if you can get past the awful acting, bad pacing, and horrid script, there are solid kills and an amazing ending. A fitting end(?) to this slasher series.

Sleepaway Camp 4: The Survivor (N/A):
I feel like I need to mention this one even though it's not, and never will be, a part of the series. This movie started filming in the early 90's and production was stopped, and never started back up again. The 30 some odd minutes of surviving production footage can be viewed most likely online, and is also available as a bonus disc in the Sleepaway Camp Survival Kit box set from Anchor Bay. I personally haven't watched it, as it is unfinished and no gore is included. But nonetheless, it's still an interesting part of the history of this series.

The Sleepaway Camp franchise is very enjoyable and highly underrated if you ask me. All of the films have something going for them and they are all, without a doubt, worth watching. I personally like the second and third film over the first and fourth only because I favor Springsteen's Angela to Rose's if only by a little. This is a great series and deserves a bigger following. An absolute mandatory view for any slasher fan. All four films come highly recommended from yours truly. And remember, Oh I'm a happy camper, I love the clear blue sky! And with the grace of God, I'll camp until i die.

The Thing (2011)

When a prequel was announced for John Carpenter's 1982 seminal classic The Thing, I have to admit, I was pretty excited. I thought a prequel was a great idea (much, MUCH better than a remake), and fans would have an excuse to revisit The Thing universe. For the record, I'm also really into the whole prequel trend these days (Prometheus, *SPOILER* Final Destination 5, etc), and I was pumped to see what awesome creature designs, characters, and suspense this new film would bring.

When the prequel of the same name came out, it was met with generally negative reviews and disappointing box office numbers. To be fair, even the original got mixed reviews and was considered a flop back in '82. Just saying. Despite all of this I decided to go see it anyway. I sat there in awe and I left the theater very confused as to why people were hating on this flick. To say the least, I loved it. Here's why I think true fans of the original The Thing, or body horror movies in general should give it another chance.

Let's get the biggest complaint out of the way first; the use of CGI. I am one of the very few people that could forget that the original film had some of the best practical effects of the 80's, and just enjoy this one as a stand alone movie. I thought the CGI was really well used and gave us some amazing money shots of transformations, and incinerations as well. The filmmakers DID use practical effects, as seen in the "making of" on the DVD/Blu-Ray. After watching that, in fact, it was easier to spot the (quite a few) uses of practical effects. All of that aside, the creature designs were outstanding. They kept the feel of the original without copying anything (besides what's explained/ shown in the '82 film). The mutations are brutal and unexpected, as is the gore. To me, this film definitely lived up to the classic effects of the original.

Honestly, that was really the only big complaint about this entry, which is quite unfair, as it has a lot more going for it. Another great thing about this flick is the acting. Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who is rapidly becoming one of my favorite actresses, holds her ground as the film's heroine. She gives off an almost Ellen Ripley vibe as she takes command, and she steals every scene she's in. The rest of the cast is great as well, with each character being memorable and unique. The group in this film felt real, as if they were hand picked from around the word and plopped together in this one location.

The paranoid feeling of the original film also makes an appearance in the prequel. The film delivers on the effects without sacrificing suspense, and mystery. I was constantly trying to figure out who was assimilated and how the thing would make its appearance. Nothing in this flick seemed recycled or predictable and that is a successful attempt at creating paranoia, not only for the characters but for the audience as well.

So, I urge you to give this movie another chance. It has amazing effects/creatures, an eerie feeling about it, and great acting as well. Fans will notice nods to the original like an homage to the "testing" scene, and various little things seen when they visit the doomed camp in the '82 version. The ending brilliantly ties everything up too, and it left me very satisfied. I really hope this movie gets a following like the original did, because it more than deserves it.

The Devil's Rejects

Rob Zombie is hit or miss with some, but I love all of his horror efforts. He shoots on film (always a plus) and his movies stand out and far away from the mainstream. He has a good ear for dialogue, and his direction is impeccable. There's one movie in his filmography that will always be considered his magnum opus; The Devil's Rejects.

This genre bending flick was unleashed into cinemas in 2005, as a loose sequel to his 2003 debut House of 1000 Corpses. This is Zombie's best reviewed movie, and it's clear why. The biggest reason, I think, is because you can't put a label on it. It's a drama, horror movie, western, crime thriller, and even a dark comedy, all rolled into one wild ride.

The story revolves around sherif Wydell who goes on a personal revenge mission to catch the remaining members of the Firefly family that fled their home after a police raid.

From the opening scene, in which sheriff Wydell raids the Firefly's home, you know instantly that you're in for something like you've never seen before. It's a brutal shootout and it's filmed in an almost documentary style. But the reason it's so good is because it's the last thing you'd expect from a horror movie. That's how this entire movie operates. It takes left turn after left turn, leaving you wondering where it will end up.

Another thing that worked superbly in this flick was the music. While House of 1000 Corpses used a more heavy metal "scary movie" score, this movie used classic country/hard rock songs. This creates a really uneasy feeling. It reminded me of how Tarantino used "Stuck in the Middle with You" for the infamous ear cutting scene in Reservoir Dogs. Pairing an otherwise upbeat song with sinister acts of violence is a great stylistic choice.

The gore/violence also is very well done. The film was shot on 16mm so its grainy as hell and really adds to the brutality of the violence. The gore is very realistic and in your face, but it never feels too exploitative, nor does the nudity. The CGI is surprisingly convincing, and enough practical stuff is thrown in to balance everything out.

The acting is superb as well. Zombie brings in genre favorites as well as some new faces. His twisted lines get delivered brilliantly. The acting is yet another thing that sets this movie above most horror films that come out these days.

The Devil's Rejects is my favorite horror film. It's good because it's not like any other scary movie out there. It's a good FILM, not limited to horror. It's a genre defining, one of a kind movie, that will be remembered for some time to come.

Decampitated

Troma Entertainment. This company, one of the longest running independent film companies, is known for releasing cheesy B-Movies and otherwise un-marketable flicks that no big studio would even think of putting out. This beloved company has gained a huge cult following over the years. and is seemingly unstoppable. Toxie is now just as recognizable as Jason Voorhees. This company releases more good than bad, and truly cares about the fans. Today, I'm going to talk about one of my favorite films in the Troma canon: Decampitated.

Released in 1998 by Troma, this cabin in the woods slasher comedy was directed by D. Matt Cunningham and starred Ryan Lowery, and Mike Hart, among others. The flick follows seven friends who's nice camping trip turns into a bloody, and hilarious fight for survival.

Let me start off by saying this film looks fantastic. Word around the campfire (pun intended) is that the same camera used to film the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre was used for this movie. It's shot on 16mm and it gives the film real texture. It's grainy as hell and really adds to the more horror-y parts of the movie. I was really into the look of the movie.

The effects are also top notch considering the modest budget. The kill scenes are bloody and will satisfy any gore hound. The violence mostly played for laughs but that doesn't mean they aren't brutal. Throat slashing, decapitation, and fishing hooks in the ear make up this fairly gory flick.

The jokes hit more than they miss and they make the movie rise above most independent horror comedies. The characters are zany and the now trademark wacky Troma sound effects are as present as ever.The acting is solid and appropriately silly. Everyone looks like they had a good time while filming which is nice.If you haven't seen this flick, I highly suggest you check it out. It's funny, gory, and one of Troma's best!

Hostel Part 2

Eli Roth burst into the horror scene with his insanely enjoyable Cabin Fever in 2002. This indie gem centers around a group of college friends fighting off a flesh eating disease. It was classic horror; boobs, blood, and karate kids yelling for pancakes. It was a fun horror flick that got Roth major recognition from the likes of Peter Jackson and Quentin Tarantino, among others. He then had backing from Tarantino in making his second feature Hostel, which came out in 2005. This movie was about three friends backpacking in Europe. They soon come to find out that they are at the wrong end of a human trafficking murder ring. Hostel was a really well done sophomore film. The slow build up sets up the crazy gory final half perfectly. The film takes on a creepy look thanks to the brilliant cinematography and direction. Roth's second film proved that he had some real talent and wasn't just a one hit wonder. Then, two years later, Eli Roth came out with the sequel Hostel Part II. This movie was met with somewhat average reviews from critics and fans alike. But, in my opinion, this film is among one of the best horror films of the 2000s.

The first Hostel flick was great. It had good characters, solid acting, and insane gore. Having said that, I always thought Part 2 was way above the first installment on terms of direction and style. There are many elements that combined to make this a near perfect horror film and a damn good sequel.

First of all, the acting is superb. Lauren German does a great job as the main character Beth. She's down to earth, even with a strangely huge sum of money at her disposal. Bijou Phillips and Heather Matarazzo do their great in their respective parts as her two friends along for the trip. Roger Bart and Richard Burgi have great chemistry as long time friends who are about to dive into the dangerous world of the Elite Hunting club. The acting in this movie is far better than most horror films and really adds to the authenticity.

Now, about the direction. Eli Roth had always been one of my favorite directors. He passed on the quick cut strobe effect most movies, namely the Saw films, were using at the time. For Hostel Part 2, his shots are well thought out and he knew how to set up eerie visuals and good suspense. The scene when Stuart and Todd are getting ready for the torture is by far my favorite scene in the film. No dialogue, just a beautiful song along with the two buddies psyching themselves out for what's to come. Truly masterful. He knows how to show us the gore, too. It's not over stylized and it works to awesome effect. Roth's direction is great and it sets this film apart from the rest.

The gore is also quite amazing. KNB worked on this film and they did an outstanding job. To this day, the upside down torture scene is one of the most brutal, and surreal kills in recent memory. This film is less gory than the original, but when it hits, it hits hard. It's very unflinching and realistic. The ending with Beth chopping off Axelle's head puts a huge smile on my face. I'm glad this wasn't a gore fest all the way through, and I'm also glad that when the gore did happen, it was beautifully done.

Hostel Part 2 doesn't feel like a traditional horror film. There's no needless jump scares, no annoying characters, nothing a typical scary movie might have. And that's what puts it high above the rest. It's a well thought out film, that just happens to be centered around an underground torture club. It's very unnerving, and scary in ways you wouldn't expect. For example: The most disturbing scene in the movie is when all of the yuppies are bidding on the unsuspecting girls. No blood, just people gambling with other people's lives. It gets to you in ways other horror films don't. Hostel Part 2 is quite underrated and begs for another look. Happy hunting!